From Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company president Austin Mace and the Board of Directors

2019 was a banner year for the Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company, with a number of projects starting throughout the organization and taking shape. A handful of the highlights from the past twelve months include:

• Attaining 501c3 nonprofit organization status with the IRS - View our Silver-rated Guidestar profile

• Completing stabilization of artifacts for long-term storage and immediate restoration

• Kicking off our Electrify 429 capital campaign to raise funds necessary to restore the car to operating condition and educate the public as to its significance and rarity

• Beginning wiring work on No. 429, as well as, starting cosmetic restoration work on the interior of the car 

• Attending both Heritage Rail Alliance conferences in Sacramento, CA and Squamish, BC to learn from other member organizations as how to create a best-in-class electric heritage railway. 

• Reaching an agreement to operate interurban No. 429 at Headwaters Junction in Fort Wayne, Indiana - its native home

• Securing essential mechanical and electrical components for the restoration of No. 429 from generous donors and institutions

• Successfully kicking off our first year of fundraising events and community outreach

• Working with several archives and universities to conduct in-depth research for proper restoration

• Acquiring historic streetcar rail that our sole-surviving Indianapolis Railways streetcar, No. 153, once rode to Broad Ripple Village along College Ave.

None of the above would be possible without the generous support of our donors and partners - people just like you. As year-end approaches, please consider a tax-deductible donation to our Electrify 429 campaign or general fund. Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to our corporate address at 4550 Central Ave. Suite 201D Indianapolis, Ind. 46205. 

As we head into 2020, work will continue on interurban No. 429, as well as other special projects, like the recent acquisition of an ultra-rare artifact (more to come soon!) that will require capital to move and stabilize.

HHTC is currently in the process of working with donors and foundations to secure funding for No. 429 that will allow us to make significant headway towards completing Phase I - cosmetic restoration of the smoking section, as well as, begin Phase II - Mechanical. With several new volunteers eagerly applying to be part of our exciting endeavor, consider making volunteerism a New Year’s resolution! There are multiple ways to get involved - from administration to community outreach, from fundraising to restoration. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and age groups and have flexible times and dates to meet your schedule.

We thank you for your continued support, and with that, let the roaring twenties begin anew!